Motorsport: Hakkinen's retirement just talk - McLaren

McLaren dismissed as speculation a report yesterday that twice world champion Mika Hakkinen was set to announce his retirement.

Neither McLaren nor the Finn's manager, Keke Rosberg, could confirm that the 32-year-old would drive for the British-based outfit next season. Mercedes said a decision would be announced at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

The report in Germany's Bild newspaper said Hakkinen was to announce his retirement this weekend and would be replaced by his compatriot, Kimi Raikkonen. This latest speculation follows 10 months of rumours that the 1998 and 1999 world champion was driving in his last season in Formula One.